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Pilates vs. Yoga: What’s the Better Workout?

Yoga and Pilates are both low-impact workouts that focus on using bodyweight resistance. They both seem to offer similar workouts, so how do you choose? Take a look at this article to know benefits, similarities, and differences of pilates vs yoga.

Pilates

Pilates has gained immense popularity in recent years and is one of the most popular choices adopted by many fitness enthusiasts. The name “Pilates” is derived from its creator, Joseph Pilates.

This workout method is a challenging low impact exercise method that balances strength with mobility, aligns the body, fine-tunes movement patterns, and strengthens the deeper muscles of the core.

Benefits of Pilates

● Increases core strength

● Improves body posture, balance & strengthens your bone

● Decreases back pain

● Prevents injuries and increases energy

● Decreases stress and boosts your mood

● Enhances body awareness and improves flexibility & mobility

● Reduces menstrual pain

● Boosts your immunity

● Improves cognitive functioning

● Improves sleep and encourages playfulness

Several studies also suggest that it can help individuals with health conditions like urinary incontinence, joint injuries, arthritis, back pain, etc.

Yoga

Yoga is an Art and Science of healthy living. It is a spiritual discipline which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. The holistic approach of Yoga is well established and it brings harmony in all walks of life and thus, known for disease prevention, promotion of health and management of many lifestyle –related disorders.

Benefits of Yoga

● Improves strength, balance, and flexibility

● Helps with back pain relief

● Heart health benefits

● Can ease arthritis symptoms

● Relaxes you to help you sleep better

● Helps relieve stress & reduce anxiety

● Promotes better self-care

Some studies suggest that yoga is also beneficial to individuals with health conditions like diabetes (type 2), high blood pressure, arthritis, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, respiratory conditions, etc.

Similarities between Pilates & Yoga

While Pilates and yoga are distinct practices, they have many things in common:

1. Both yoga and Pilates have physical and mental health benefits.

2. Both are low-impact workouts and gentle on the joints.

3. They both primarily use body weight to build strength.

4. Proper form is essential in each practice, so both are best done with trained instructors.

5. Once you have learned the form and technique, you can do both yoga and Pilates at home with limited or no equipment.

6. Both practices build core strength, improve posture and balance, and increase flexibility.

7. They both focus on breathing and require mental focus.

Key Differences between Pilates & Yoga

1. The Spiritual Focus

Yoga can provide spiritual element to your workout.

While Pilates includes a focus on breathing and connecting the mind and body, it is not a spiritual practice.

2. Variety

Yoga has variety of poses and you can choose from a gentle restorative class or a challenging, sweaty hot yoga session.

Pilates is generally a mat workout or reformer exercises with little variety in style.

3. Movements

Yoga has bigger movements and transitions.

Pilates has smaller movements which are more precise and it’s a slower form workout.

4. Rehabilitation

Pilates is good for rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. Unlike yoga, Pilates can be adapted to match each individual’s limitations and can help build strength slowly and safely.

5. Equipment

Some Yoga poses use basic props.

Few Pilates variations require more complicated equipment like the reformer and the Cadillac.

6. Core Strength

Yoga strengthens over-all body, but the focus is more on arms and legs.

Pilates focuses on developing core muscles, including the back, abs, hips and glutes.

Pilates vs Yoga: Which is better?

Yoga and Pilates are both great workouts.The decision of choosing between the two workouts depends on your goals and expectations.

If you want to increase strength and flexibility, Pilates might be a better choice. If you want to improve overall wellness, you might opt for yoga.

If you have a health condition, consult an instructor to determine what’s best for you.

Conclusion

Yoga and pilates are low-impact workouts with an emphasis on bodyweight resistance. Both forms of exercise focusses on all muscles rather than specific muscle groups and they are great additions to your weekly exercise routine.

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Source: Healthline, WebMD

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 12, 2023